Gathering
Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.
Chapter 6 of 8
nocturnusA collection of original, diaries, letters, pensieve reminiscences and other documents drawn from various sources within the Special Collections Division, help us understand the attitudes, perspectives and feelings of this popular couple.
ReviewedTo Geminiscorp.
Thanks to ScatteredLogic and NoSoSaintly
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That evening they celebrated friendship. They met again at Grimmauld Place, after so many years. The Potters had invited them all, sent the kids to Mrs. Weasley’s home and committed themselves to fun. Harry had contacted the former Dumbledore’s Army members so they could discuss Alicia Spinet’s idea to write a book about it. They were trying to put the facts together when Ron said he couldn’t concentrate without music and put on some jazz; Longbottom suggested it was freezing and vodka was in order; someone said vodka was as disgusting as Wolfsbane Potion when drunk alone, so they went out to buy oranges.
They drank and chattered and drank yet a little more. Someone suggested there should be sandwiches; old Kreacher, looking as if death had forgotten to take him, produced a variety of delicious food. Hannah noted that Ron was eating like a gentleman, which caused everyone to laugh in remembrance of his former table manners. Dean sat slouched against a sofa, one arm around Hermione and his legs stretched out in Seamus’ lap. Ron looked murderous at that, but Dean just stuck his tongue out at him. Terry thought that maybe it was a little too sensual to be just a pal’s joke. Angelina and Alicia were arguing about something, anything, while Kreacher passed by carrying a tray of sandwiches.
Then Luna asked Neville about his grandmother. He told the story of how she was kept alive, a peculiar expression as Terry pointed out, but Neville commented he could only hope she would die soon. They all gasped at his apparent lack of compassion. He had seen how his gran had deteriorated, he said, and at some point in the near future he was sure she would pass away; he had even owled his uncle Algie so he could say good bye to her. But at the crucial moment, Augusta Longbottom had stopped dying. “I can’t explain it any other way,” he apologized. “It’s just she is not better but yet she isn’t dead.” Lavender Brown coyly commented that she had overheard her boss saying the same about one of her in-laws just last week.
Hermione, who now acknowledged Lavender wasn’t the vain, silly thing she had shared a dorm with, started lecturing her about how death was a private thing for wizarding society, but it was not a sin to talk about it, let alone accidentally overhear a conversation about it. “Wizarding attitude towards death isn’t healthy,” she preached. “Portraits are, in a way, a denial of death. Aren’t they?” Terry Boot couldn’t stifle a gag. Please, god, make her stop.
Death, always death; it scared him sometimes. Couldn’t she talk about something else? Terry Boot just couldn’t understand it – hadn’t Riddle been obsessed with death? Maybe it was one of those cultural Muggle/wizard things he would never get. Purebloods, traitors or not, just didn’t talk about death, at least not the old ones; Muggles were always picking at the topic, for good or better or worse. He thought that everyone went to the bathroom daily, yet no one talked about it in public, so why couldn’t people do the same with death?
He didn’t hear the rest of Hermione’s speech; he only noticed that the others were saying to Hermione: “Oh, do you sing?” Were they trying to change the topic, or was he the only one disgusted by the turn of discussion? Anyway, Terry did not dare risk going back to that conversation.
More vodka was served, the chairs were pushed back and a small stage was improvised.
Hermione, always bossy, decided she wouldn’t sing alone. “Ginny, what about a Celtic ballad? Seamus, an Irish lullaby? And you,” she pointed at the Patil twins, “do you know that song? Ah! What’s the name?” She made a gesture with her hands, something to make her remember. “Uuuajharaa?”
Both sisters translated the question into normal Hindi; she was talking about the Gujarat nuptial song, and of course they knew some of it. So everyone did his part, having another round of vodka to celebrate each song.
Terry Boot realized that mostly everyone had sung except Hermione, so he decided to ask for her turn. “Her – my – oh – neee! Her – my – oh – neee!” he cried, parodying Krum. He didn’t know why he did it; he really didn’t give a damn if she sang or not. It was just the fact that he would not let her skip her turn.
Hermione stood up in the center; something in her attitude struck him as different. She pushed her hair aside, cleared her throat and introduced a song as part of the “Little Angel Funeral”, a Chilean folk tradition for dead toddlers. It was a song of crying mothers, loss and hope; a song of new worlds of justice. Everyone quieted down; somehow the mood had changed. Hermione had transfigured herself. She wasn't singing; she was the song.
A respectful silence was all that was left for a few minutes.
Then Lee Jordan and George Weasley, returning to normal, magically filled everyone’s glasses and started singing a dirty song in the round.
In the end, half the Army was drunk with no hint about how the hell the rest of the verses were written. As things went, there were too many people and too few beds and none of them with a steady hand to Transfigure one. Terry Boot ended up sharing a small bed with Hermione, but to be honest he would have preferred either of the Patil twins… or both, but he was never the lucky one; he was bested by that Weasley bastard.
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There is a nod to Wicked
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Latest 25 Reviews for Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.
50 Reviews | 5.36/10 Average
How could she have lost her magic. She was the brightest witch of her age. And a Muggle born. All that is very mysterious. And what about those people who should be but are not dead...Also I'm glad to finally know about Snape. (I expect more in the next chapter because that was a bit short for my sanity ;)
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Oh, that's a mistery, death had stop
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Oh, that's a mistery, death had stop
The description of this bookstore is simply lovely. Really poetic and gorgeous.Does the red of the door have any significance?
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you like the bookstore description. It's a mix of my favorites ones.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you like the bookstore description. It's a mix of my favorites ones.
OH, don't stop there!! I'll be expecting an update quite soon. Anyhoo, I really love the way you make every entry different. You do an especially great job in the reference quotes. They truly seem as if they could be true references. Hopefully, her chat with Severus will help us to know more of what ails her???? I'm not a patient woman. 
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Next chapter should disclose a lot, the problem is that Severus is not coperating
Response from debjunk (Reviewer)
And when, exactly, does Severus ever cooperate?
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Next chapter should disclose a lot, the problem is that Severus is not coperating
Response from debjunk (Reviewer)
And when, exactly, does Severus ever cooperate?
No magic? What caused that? How nice to see Severus. I'm hoping that by the time this story ends we will see everyone's magic return and a bit of romance.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Romance will come. Be patient. Severus POV is in the next chapter.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Romance will come. Be patient. Severus POV is in the next chapter.
very interesting. the time jumps and POV changes are interesting, if a bit unsettling at times. Over all this story is one I will come back to for more updates.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you like it. This story will unfold slowly very much like a mosaic.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you like it. This story will unfold slowly very much like a mosaic.
What a change from the delightful first chapter! whoa! i actuallyhad to look up at the top of the page and make sure i was reading the right story. Very tragic and effective writing!
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I apretiate you take the time to give me feedback. I'm a non native writter. My poor betas struggles with my grammar horrors. There will be more changes of POV's and styles. I hope this won't turn to be too confusing.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I apretiate you take the time to give me feedback. I'm a non native writter. My poor betas struggles with my grammar horrors. There will be more changes of POV's and styles. I hope this won't turn to be too confusing.
This is awfully funny and clever! Thank you for sharing this tongue-in-cheek scholarship with us. I look forward to your next chpter.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Oh, but this is serious. I have all the documantation at home, I find it in my grandama trunk. hehehe
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Oh, but this is serious. I have all the documantation at home, I find it in my grandama trunk. hehehe
No deaths ... Hermione's vanished magic ... could it be connected?
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
mmmm. You'll see
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
mmmm. You'll see
Oh wow!(So, not totally speechless, but pretty close.)
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Speechless good or speechless bad?. Next chapter is on que, soon will be up.Thanks for comenting
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Speechless good or speechless bad?. Next chapter is on que, soon will be up.Thanks for comenting
No magic? Does anyone know why?
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Mmmm; it will unfold in two more chapters.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Mmmm; it will unfold in two more chapters.
Your story is disturbing me. Last chapter she was making research about death and we know her twin brother died when coming to the world. And now she seems obsessed with death. I don't like the way she's feeling. I hope she won't do something stupid.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Don´t worry, she is obsessed with death but still safe. 
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
Good to know. So it must be something related to Severus because we haven't heard from him yet despite the tittle...
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Don´t worry, she is obsessed with death but still safe.
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
Good to know. So it must be something related to Severus because we haven't heard from him yet despite the tittle...
Nice change of pace. I like the idea of writing a book. I think it will help them all to heal.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im glad you like it. Thanks for the feedback
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im glad you like it. Thanks for the feedback
Is she obsessed with death, or are the rest of them avoiding it?
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
A little of both things I think
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
A little of both things I think
Wow. Sometimes wandering around different fan sites, one is lucky enough to find a gem.This is most definitely one of them. Great job, and please update soon!
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Thanks, you make me blush.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Thanks, you make me blush.
Hmm, it seems like Hermione's thoughts of death are running rampant.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Yes, she tend to get carried away.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Yes, she tend to get carried away.
The transformation from bossy Hermione to Hermione-of-the-song was most telling. I am a bit worried about her, to tell you the truth. What a sad and telling song ... and we didn't even need to hear the words to feel it.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im glad you like it. The song is a classic folk here in Chile. When a baby died, country people organized a "little angel funeral", they dress the baby in white, the godmother saw wings for the baby. They set him in an altar with flowers and candles. The mother is forbiden to cry until the baby is buried, her tears could make it dificult to the baby to fly to heaven. During the ceremony woman recite and sang special songs which express the sorrow of the parents, the departing words of the baby and the hope that the angel will care for the family.I never been in one, since the are rare nowadays. But my mother in law was called to sing in those funeral when she was a child.
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
My goodness. I don't think I'd ever be able to sing for a funeral like that. It just tears at my heart. I'd be crying, even if I did not know the family. How could a mother not cry? I know the strength of the belief is so strong that she'd be able to do it. But ... wow.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im glad you like it. The song is a classic folk here in Chile. When a baby died, country people organized a "little angel funeral", they dress the baby in white, the godmother saw wings for the baby. They set him in an altar with flowers and candles. The mother is forbiden to cry until the baby is buried, her tears could make it dificult to the baby to fly to heaven. During the ceremony woman recite and sang special songs which express the sorrow of the parents, the departing words of the baby and the hope that the angel will care for the family.I never been in one, since the are rare nowadays. But my mother in law was called to sing in those funeral when she was a child.
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
My goodness. I don't think I'd ever be able to sing for a funeral like that. It just tears at my heart. I'd be crying, even if I did not know the family. How could a mother not cry? I know the strength of the belief is so strong that she'd be able to do it. But ... wow.
I read all four chapters and found this to be quite interesting. I have so many questions which I hope further chapters will answer.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I´am thrilled to know you enjoy it. I visualized this fic as a mosaic, or a jigzaw puzzle, I will give the pieces but the reader will have to connect the dots. I hope it will work.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I´am thrilled to know you enjoy it. I visualized this fic as a mosaic, or a jigzaw puzzle, I will give the pieces but the reader will have to connect the dots. I hope it will work.
what a twisty and interesting start (except for chap 1) thanks
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im glad you like it. It's good to have some feedback.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im glad you like it. It's good to have some feedback.
Ill keep an eye on this oneSounds promising, The intro was cool l(ike a future sientific discussion of fanfic', funny idea)The guild chapter was a bit depri and I can't place it in the story jet . The bit's an' pieces afterwards are nicely done. I had to read it twice to get it, but I liked the different way of communication (howler, html, letter's etc)and this chapter... well it leave's a lot of questions. What happend with Hermiony? What's the time frame? When will Snape arrive in the story?It looks like your heading for a long story (20+ chapters) You sure have a lot of staring point's 4 chapters 4 pov's.One thing's for sure you got me curious so.. start updating!
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm playing and having fun with this pieces of parchment, pensieves, and other documents. I hope at the end people could put the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle toghether. I apretiate you take your time to give me feedback, it helps me with my writing.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm playing and having fun with this pieces of parchment, pensieves, and other documents. I hope at the end people could put the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle toghether. I apretiate you take your time to give me feedback, it helps me with my writing.
Love Harry's PJ's!
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you like it! I visualised Harry as the man without childhood, so I think he could use those sort of childish things. ;)
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you like it! I visualised Harry as the man without childhood, so I think he could use those sort of childish things. ;)
Great presentation! Interesting snippets.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
This first volume will be snippets only, I think of this as a mosaic or jigsaw puzzle fic.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
This first volume will be snippets only, I think of this as a mosaic or jigsaw puzzle fic.
Leave it to Harry to draw Hermione back to a world that she seems to have abandoned. Good for him.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you see it that way, it was the idea I was trying to develop
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
I'm glad you see it that way, it was the idea I was trying to develop
I can't wait to find out more about Hermione and why she isn't using magic anymore. Hopefully something will be revealed in the collection telling us more.Thank you for this peek into Hermione's world.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
You'll have to wait for it.;)
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
You'll have to wait for it.;)
hummmmmm, very interesting. very interesting indeed. please update soon.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Thanks, the next chapter is on the run
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Thanks, the next chapter is on the run
You must have had a hard time getting everything in the right colour, place, etc. Very great job. I particularly like the mail exchange between Hermione and Dean Forest.
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im not that good in htlm, but I try. Thanks for comenting
Response from nocturnus (Author of Hermione & Severus: The Letters and Other Writings.)
Im not that good in htlm, but I try. Thanks for comenting